The big teams were given a run for their money as the European Championship qualifying began Thursday. If on one hand, World Cup finalist Croatia was saved by a fine curling shot from Andrej Kramaric for a 2-1 win, then on the other hand, Belgium needed two goals from Eden Hazard to defeat Russia 3-1.
A rare Thibaut Courtois error allowed the Russians back in the game after Tielemans’ goal provided Belgium with a lead. But, Hazard was in fine form as the Russians found it difficult to track him and he scored two important goals for Belgium, in a match where the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne were sidelined due to injury.
Croatia has struggled to replicate the form displayed during the World Cup last year ever since losing to France in the final. Ramil Sheydaev scored a fine solo goal to put the World Cup finalist in a spot of bother. A decent defence from Ajerbaijan frustrated Croatia more. Finally, Borna Barisic and Andrej Kramaric scored in the 44th and 79th minute to settle for 2-1 victory.
Even though The Netherlands failed to qualify for the past two major tournaments, they displayed no sign of nerves in a 4-0 win against Belarus. Assisting on two occasions and scoring two goals, Memphis Depay was the star of the match.
